Despite high fuel prices, Monaco’s service stations remain well used.
That was clear from the disappointment that followed the closure of the Esso station next to Stade Louis II on August 31.
Rumors quickly circulated about the reasons behind its disappearance.
The Princely Government, contacted by Monaco-Matin, has now clarified the situation.
“The closure of the Fontvieille service station is linked to the Stade Louis II restructuring project,” the government said.
“From the initial studies in 2017, it was established that keeping the station open, given its location next to the stadium, would be incompatible with the project’s objectives.”
“The redevelopment is intended in particular to bring the stadium in line with current sporting requirements, better meet the needs of its various users, and improve both the visitor experience and its day-to-day operation.”
The government added that the station operator had been informed well in advance that the site would have to close.
Charles-III Esso Closure Not Expected Before 2028
What about the Esso station on Boulevard Charles-III, near the Cap-d’Ail border?
It will also have to close, but not immediately and only temporarily, according to the government.
The station lies within the future Îlot Charles-III development, a major project intended to reshape Monaco’s western gateway.
As with the former Stade Louis II station, its closure “will also be required by the urban development work planned in this area,” the government said.
“However, the station will remain in operation for as long as possible, until work begins, which is not currently scheduled before 2028.”
The government also confirmed that plans for the development include a new service station.
A service station is therefore expected to return to the site once the project is completed.
The existing station remains popular with regular customers and tourists despite its comparatively high prices.
Monaco’s two other service stations, Romano Energy near Place du Canton and PitStop Monte-Carlo at the entrance to the Grimaldi Forum parking garage, are not affected by any planned closures.
Government Studies Temporary Solutions
The prospect of the Charles-III Esso closing, combined with the loss of the Fontvieille station and the closure in August 2023 of the TotalEnergies station at the exit of the Rainier-III tunnel, significantly reduces the options available to motorists.
The situation involving the station in Cap-d’Ail is also temporary in principle, although it falls outside the jurisdiction of the Monaco government.
The government says it is nevertheless closely monitoring the overall situation.
“Aware of the disruption these closures may cause for users, the government is also studying temporary solutions, particularly while awaiting the opening of the future station planned as part of the Charles-III project,” it said.
“More broadly, the government wants to maintain a network of service stations suited to demand. That network can evolve in line with changing usage patterns and the composition of the vehicle fleet.”